BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
The Musawah for Youth and Development Initiative and the Northern Nigeria United Youths for Peace and Progress have defended the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), criticising activist Omoyele Sowore and northern youth leader Amb. Abdul Dan Bature over recent remarks calling for the minister’s removal.
The groups, which addressed separate press conferences in Kaduna on Thursday, described the attacks on the minister as unnecessary and capable of distracting efforts to tackle the country’s security challenges.
Addressing journalists at the Musawah head office, the national coordinator of the organisation, Amb. Dr. Polycarp Gankon, said recent public statements and social media videos by Sowore and Dan Bature had generated controversy and contributed to the politicisation of national security discussions.
Gankon said Musa, a former Chief of Defence Staff, had dedicated decades of service to the defence of Nigeria and had served in various operational and strategic positions within the Armed Forces.
According to him, the minister played key roles in the fight against insurgency, terrorism and banditry across several parts of the country during his military career.
He said while criticism was part of democratic practice, discussions surrounding national security should be responsible and aimed at strengthening institutions rather than undermining them.
Gankon therefore urged public commentators and political actors to approach issues relating to national security with patriotism and seriousness.
“Constructive criticism is welcome in a democracy, but it must be responsible and informed. Nigeria’s security challenges required collective national support”.
Meanwhile, at another press conference held at the Epitome Events Centre in Barnawa, Kaduna, the Northern Nigeria United Youths for Peace and Progress also expressed support for the defence minister.
Speaking on behalf of the group, its convener, Edward John Auta, said Musa had demonstrated leadership and commitment in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
He said the minister’s tenure as Chief of Defence Staff was marked by efforts to motivate troops, strengthen collaboration among security agencies and adopt non-kinetic strategies involving community partnerships.
Auta also criticised what he described as personal attacks against the minister, particularly remarks made by Sowore, noting that such statements could undermine national unity.
He urged Nigerians, especially youths, to engage in responsible public discourse and support efforts aimed at strengthening the country’s security institutions.
The group also expressed confidence that reforms being implemented in the Ministry of Defence under Musa’s leadership would further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
They called on citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information to help address the country’s security challenges.
